Word
breakdance
Phoneticsbreak·dance, stress on the first syllable
/ˈbɹeɪkdæns/
Definition
v. to perform a style of street dance that involves energetic movements, spinning on the ground, and impressive balance. It is often done to hip-hop music.
v. to perform a style of acrobatic street dancing characterized by intricate footwork, pantomime, and ground-based power moves such as headspins or windmills.
Examples
“He learned how to breakdance by watching videos online.”
“During the street festival, a local crew gathered in the square to breakdance for the passing crowds.”
“While many view it as mere entertainment, those who breakdance at a professional level require the same physical conditioning and spatial awareness as elite gymnasts.”
Examples
simple
“He learned how to breakdance by watching videos online.”
contextual
“During the street festival, a local crew gathered in the square to breakdance for the passing crowds.”
complex
“While many view it as mere entertainment, those who breakdance at a professional level require the same physical conditioning and spatial awareness as elite gymnasts.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “breakdance” in context.
Verb
01. breakdance competitively
“Many athletes now breakdance competitively in international tournaments.”
verb + adv
02. breakdance professionally
“He spent years training before he was able to breakdance professionally.”
verb + adv
03. breakdance to
“The crew gathered in the street to breakdance to heavy hip-hop beats.”
verb + prep
04. breakdance on the street
“They used to breakdance on the street to earn extra money during the summer.”
05. learn how to breakdance
“It takes a lot of core strength to learn how to breakdance properly.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“As representatives of the nation where breakdancing originated half a century ago, Team USA members face a significant challenge—along with the risk of losing their cultural heritage—when this hip-hop dance style officially appears at the 2024 Paris Olympics.” “Breakdancing is providing Palestinian youth in Gaza with a means to manage the psychological scars of conflict.” “Breaking, also known as breakdancing, originated in the late 1970s in the New York City borough of the Bronx.” “The nation’s rich past is gradually yielding to contemporary influences, particularly a rising enthusiasm for youth sports, with breakdancing taking a prominent role.” Etymology
From break + dance, in reference to the instrumental break sections of music.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
The word in film
breakdance · 1984
This 1984 musical drama captures the vibrant street culture of Los Angeles as a struggling jazz dancer teams up with two talented street performers. Directed by Joel Silberg, the film showcases the athletic moves and rhythmic footwork that defined the early hip-hop era.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/breakdance